What does the cryptic crossword clue "Criminal force probes chap instructed by director (10)" mean?

The definition is "Criminal". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). MALE (synonym="probes") + F (synonym="force") + ACTOR (synonym="chap instructed by director") = MALEFACTOR; definition: "Criminal" The answer is MALEFACTOR.

Criminal force probes chap instructed by director (10)

Times Cryptic #28877 | 26 Across | 2024-03-29 flower

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